Seat Pivot Bracket and Beam Seating System

ABSTRACT

A seat connection mechanism having a bracket portion which is metal and includes a pivot area, an opening and a channel. A metal pin portion includes a pin and a stop portion, the pin rests in the pivot area such that the shelf portion inhibits movement of the pin portion along the pin&#39;s rotation axis, the pin configured to rotate within the pivot area about a rotation axis. The channel in the bracket portion arranged to pass adjacent and through an area of the center pivot, the channel arranged such that the stop portion of the pin portion are insertable into the channel through the opening at an insertion angle to allow the pin to rest in the pivot area and such that when the pin rotates within the center pivot, the stop portion of the pin portion moves within the bracket and the stop portion is configured to interact with the bracket at one or more predefined positions to stop rotation of the pin portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following relates to mounting systems. More particularly, thefollowing relates to a beam based mounting system for support items suchas chairs, tables, railings and others which are typically in largestadiums and auditoriums.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beam based seating has been provided in a number of different formswhere a beam is supported along rows of seating and then the chairs areconnected to that beam. These beam systems typically utilize large stairshaped risers in existing stadiums to secure to. Alternately, the beamis secured via supports to the floor of the stadium.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,858 is one such beam system where plates 23 aresecured to the riser 32 and then a beam 10 is secured on top of thatplate 23 at a distance away from the riser 32. The beam 10 is providedwith structure which allows the seat support 60 which includes a clamp68 and return portion 69 to secure over and then under the back of thebeam to allow the seat to be supported by the beam. While this beamsystem does provide for mounting of beam based seating systems, thereare a number of disadvantages. First, since the plates 23 are requiredto space the beam away from the riser 32, there is necessarilyadditional space taken up. In a large stadium, especially with newconstruction, one inch of space saved per row can add many additionalrows in the sense that one inch per row eventually adds up to a new row.The '858 Patent although providing for a convenient mounting method forthe chairs, suffers the disadvantage of taking significant space andhaving a beam which projects out rather far from the concrete riser,which means the stadium is less flexible to utilizing the space with theseats removed, which may be desirable in certain instances.

The '858 Patent also suffers the disadvantage that the plates 23 allneed to be independently set level with one another, which can be adifficult task of lining up hundreds of these plates 23 in a particularjob. Thus, it is desirable to eliminate or at least reduce the amount ofleveling measurements required for proper installation of a beam system.

Further, the '858 Patent requires use of rather complicated molds tocreate the support 60 with clamp/return 68/69 to secure to the beam inthat typically a glass reinforced nylon material is used for the part ofthe support 60 which secures around the described rear overhang of thebeam. Given that the beam extrusion is also custom and the mold for thesupport is too, the capital costs and manufacturing difficulties resultin increased expense. Further, the glass reinforced nylon material candegrade over time when exposed to sunlight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beamsystem for mounting chairs which takes up less space from the riser.

It is a further object to provide a beam system which is easier toinstall and less complicated to manufacture.

The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set,data, object or thing from another, and are not used to designaterelative position or arrangement in time.

As used herein the term “angle” refers to a range of angles unlessstated specifically that such angle is fixed (i.e. not a range).

These and other objects are achieved by providing a beam mounting systemfor chairs which provides a channel or opening for a connector to fit infrom the front of the beam. The connector configured to secure the chairto the beam and one end of the connector insertable into one side of thechannel and then rotatable and slidable within the channel transverse tothe longitudinal direction such that the connector is securable to theelongated beam and retained in the channel by the elongated beam.

Further objects are achieved by providing a method of connecting supportitems such as furniture or railings to a beam system for stadiums whichincludes mounting a beam to a first support of a stadium and hangingsupport items from a protrusion of the beam using a connector whichextends away from the first support and then clamping the

Other objects are achieved by providing a chair frame for a fixed seatwhich has a leg portion, securing portion, back support portion and seatsupport portion formed from a bent and stamped plate such that theforegoing portions of the frame are formed from a single piece of metal.A bend is located between the leg and securing portions to provide asurface transverse to the leg portion. This surface can be mounted to afixed support which may be a beam but could alternatively be other fixedsupports such as concrete risers, floors or other riser or mountingtypes/options. The pivot mechanism is also provided and is manufacturedfrom flat plates.

In certain aspects a beam system for mounting chairs is provided havingan elongated beam configured to secure to a first support such that arear face of the elongated beam faces the support. A front face of theelongated beam has a channel by an upper extension and a lowerextension, the upper and lower extensions extending outwardly from thefront face. An inner and upper face of the channel and an inner andlower face of the channel spaced apart at a first distance. The upperextension has a downwardly extending tab and the lower extension has anupwardly extending tab. A second distance is defined between innermostsurfaces of the downwardly extending tab and the upwardly extending tab.A connector is configured to secure to a chair. The connector beingconfigured to insert at least partially into the channel. A thirddistance is defined between a first and second edge of the connector,the first edge being an uppermost edge of the connector and the secondedge being a lowermost edge of the connector. The third distance islarger than the second distance but smaller than the first distance suchthat the first edge of the connector is insertable into the channel atthe upper extension at an angle relative to the rear face such that thesecond edge of the connector is outside of the channel and once insertedup towards the upper extension, the second edge of the connector isdisplaceable past the upwardly extending tab and once past the upwardlyextending tab, the connector is displaceable downwardly such that thefirst and second edges are respectively retained by the downwardlyextending and upwardly extending tabs.

In certain embodiments a chair support is connectable to the connectorand is configured to clamp the upwardly and downwardly extending tabsbetween the connector and the chair support to clamp the chair supportto the beam. A catch may be located in the channel, the catch isconfigured to interact with at least part of the chair support toinhibit movement of the first edge towards the upper extension. Thecatch interacts with a bolt of the chair support which secures to theconnector and through a plate of the chair support. The bolt, whentightened, clamps the connector and plate together over the downwardlyand upwardly extending tabs. In certain aspects, the chair supportincludes a lower edge and a face of the lower extension is locatedoutside the channel adjacent the upwardly extending tab and the innerand lower face which is located inside the channel adjacent the upwardlyextending tab. The lowermost edge of the connector is configured to besupported by the inner and lower face. The lower edge of the chairsupport is configured to be supported by the face of the lower extensionwhen the connector is clamped to the beam. The beam includes mountingtabs located outside the channel and including at least part of the rearface, a front face of the mounting tabs includes a notch thereinextending in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of holes are locatedat the notch, the elongated beam is secured to the first support via theplurality of holes. In certain aspects, the angle is a range of anglesand in other aspects, the angle is a fixed angle. In certain aspects arailing is provided with a plurality of supports connected to therailing at one end and a second end of each of the plurality of supportsincluding the connector such that the railing is configured to secure tothe beam by the connectors of the first supports located adjacent atleast one of the connectors of the chair. In certain aspects a pluralityof holes are spaced along the longitudinal direction of the beam andlocated within the channel and extending through the beam and the beamsecures to said first support through the holes with anchors.

In other aspects, a beam mounting system for chairs is providedincluding an elongated beam having a channel. A connector is configuredto fit into and be retained in the channel. The connector is configuredto mount a chair to the elongated beam. A first portion of the connectoris insertable into a first portion of the channel and slidable in afirst direction at a first angle such that a second portion of theconnector opposite the first portion of the connector is therebyinsertable into a second portion of the channel after the connector hasbeen slid in the first direction. The connector, once slid in the firstdirection, is rotatable from the first angle to a second angle such thatduring rotation to the second angle, a second portion of the connectorpasses an obstruction which is part of the beam and once the secondportion of the connector passes the obstruction, the connector isslidable at the second angle into a second portion of the beam oppositethe first portion of the beam and thereby the connector is: inhibitedfrom rotating towards the first angle by the obstruction until theconnector is first slid opposite the first direction; and inhibited frommoving out of the channel by the first portion of said channel such thata chair connected to the connector is supported by said elongated beam.

In certain aspects the beam includes an outer face oriented inwardlywith respect to the channel and positioned adjacent the obstruction, theouter face interacts with a frame of the chair to support the chair andinhibit movement in the first direction beyond a predetermined position.In certain aspects the first angle is a fixed angle. In other aspectsthe second angle is a fixed angle. In other aspects the first and secondangles are both fixed angles. In certain aspects the first portion ofthe connector is an upper portion of the connector and the first portionof the channel is an upper portion of the channel. The second portion ofthe connector is a lower portion of the connector; and the secondportion of the channel is a lower portion of the channel. In certainaspects, the elongated beam is mounted to a first support and aplurality of chairs each having one or more connectors are mounted tothe elongated beam.

In certain embodiments a method installing a beam seating system isprovided including one or more of the steps of providing a plurality ofchairs, each having at least one connector; providing an elongate beamhaving a channel on a front face thereof, the channel configured toreceive the connector; securing the elongate beam to one or moresupports; inserting the connectors into a first portion of the channeland rotating the connectors such that a second portion of the connectorpasses over an obstruction on the elongate beam; sliding the connectorsin a first direction such that the obstruction inhibits rotation of thesecond portion out of the channel; and securing the connectors to theelongate beam with one or more fasteners.

In certain aspects the securing step causes the connectors and a seatsupport to which the connector is attached to clamp the obstructionbetween the connector and the seat support. In other aspects, thechannel includes a catch therein and the fasteners engage the catch toinhibit sliding movement in a second direction opposite the firstdirection. In other aspects, the step of securing the elongated beamcomprises drilling a plurality of holes in the beam and anchoring theelongated beam through the plurality of holes. In other aspects, theconnector is a flat plate.

In other embodiments a seating assembly is provided with a framesupporting a seating surface. A beam is configured to secure to a firstsupport with a first face of said beam facing said first support, thebeam extends in a longitudinal direction. A channel is located in asecond face of the beam. The frame has a lower portion with a connectorattached thereto, the connector is insertable into the channel from adirection transverse to the longitudinal direction.

In certain aspects the connector is insertable into a first portion ofthe channel and a second portion of the connector rotatable into asecond portion of the channel and then the connector is slidable awayfrom a deepest part of the first portion in a sliding direction suchthat the first and second portions of the connector are retained withinthe first and second portions of the channel but are slidable in thelongitudinal direction until the connector is fixedly secured to thebeam. In other aspects, a catch is located in the channel and a portionof the connector configured to interact with the catch to inhibitmovement opposite the sliding direction. In other aspects, the portionof the connector is a bolt which secures the connector to said frame. Inother aspects, the frame is formed from a metal plate which is stampedand the first portion is formed by bending part of said metal platerelative to an adjacent portion of the frame.

In other embodiments a beam mounting system for chairs is provided witha beam having a longitudinal channel in a front face thereof and thechannel extending in a longitudinal direction, the beam securable to afirst support. A chair, has a connector secured thereto, the connectorconfigured to secure to the beam by the connector inserting into thechannel from the front face at any position along the beam. Theconnector is slidable within the channel in the longitudinal directionwithout interference from the first support until the connector issecurely affixed to the beam such that the connector ceases to beslidable in the longitudinal direction. When the connector is securelyaffixed to the beam the connector secures to the beam withoutinteraction with a rear face of the beam.

In certain aspects the chair includes a plurality of chairs securable atany position along the beam not occupied by another one of the pluralityof chairs. In other aspects the connector includes a threaded hole whichconnects to a bolt secured to the chair and at least one post is locatedadjacent the threaded hole and extends to an end of the post such thatthe post bears against at least part of the chair when at least part ofthe beam is clamped between the chair and the connector.

In one aspect a fixed chair for stadium or auditorium seating isprovided with a metal frame including four portions. The four portionsinclude a securing portion, a leg portion, a back support portion and aseat support portion. The four portions are made together from a singleflat plate which is stamped and bent. At least part of the leg portionincludes a stamping therein which creates a raised portion of saidsingle plate relative to an adjacent portion. A bend in the single platebetween the leg portion and the securing portion is provides so that thesecuring portion and the leg portion are transverse to each other. Thesecuring portion attaches to a fixed support such that the fixed chairis cantilevered from the securing portion.

In certain aspects a backrest is connected to the back support portion.A pivot element is connected to the seat support portion and a seat isconnected to and configured to rotate about the pivot element betweenoccupied and unoccupied positions. In certain aspects at least two pinsextend from the seat and interact with the pivot. The pivot includes twoplates having at least two holes. A first one of the holes receives afirst one of the two pins allowing the first pin to rotate in the firsthole about an axis. A second one of the at least two holes in each ofthe two plates is slot shaped such that when the first pin rotates inthe first hole, the second pin moves along the slot. A bumper is locatedin at least one of the second holes. In certain aspects a first one ofthe two plates is an inner plate and a second one of the two plates is amiddle plate located between the inner plate and the seat supportportion. The slot of the middle plate has a second slot along adirection of the axis which holds the bumper therein at one end of theslot. The slot of the inner plate configured to inhibit removal of thebumper from the middle plate along the direction. In certain aspects thebend is approximately a 90 degree angle. In other aspects, the fixedsupport is a beam.

In certain aspects at least two pins extend from the seat and interactwith the pivot. The pivot is comprised of two plates, each plate havingat least two holes, a first one of said at least two holes in each ofthe two plates receives a first one of said at least two pins therein,allowing the first pin to rotate in the first hole about an axis. Asecond one of the at least two holes in each of the two plates is slotshaped such that when said first pin rotates in the first hole, thesecond pin moves along the slot. The first hole in the first plate islarger than the first hole in the second plate and the first one of saidat least two pins includes a catch at one end which inhibits movement ofthe first one of said at least two pins in at least one direction alongthe axis due to the smaller first hole in the second plate being smallerthan a dimension of the catch.

In one aspect a chair is provided with a metal frame having first andsecond pieces, the first and second pieces each including four portionsand the first and second pieces spaced apart. The four portions includea securing portion, a leg portion, a back support portion and a seatsupport portion. The four portions are made together from a single flatplate which is stamped and bent. At least part of the leg portionincludes a stamping therein which creates a raised portion of saidsingle plate relative to an adjacent portion. A bend in the single plateis between the leg portion and the securing portion such that thesecuring portion and the leg portion are transverse to each other. Abackrest is connected between the two back support portions of the firstand second pieces. A seat is connected between the two seat supportportions of the first and second pieces. The backrest and seat aresupported entirely by the securing portions and through the leg portionsof the first and second pieces such that the chair is cantilevered froma first support secured to the securing portions.

In certain aspects, the bend is approximately a 90 degree angle. Inother aspects, first support is a beam or a fixed support. In otheraspects a pivot element is connected to each seat support portion andthe seat is connected to and configured to rotate about said the elementbetween occupied and unoccupied positions. In other aspects at least twopins extend from the seat and interact with the pivot. The pivot is madeof two plates, each plate has at least two holes. A first one the twoholes in each of the two plates receives a first one of the two pinstherein and is located at an axis and allows the first pin to rotate inthe first hole about the axis. A second one of the two holes in each ofthe two plates is slot shaped such that when the first pin rotates inthe first hole, the second pin moves along the slot. A bumper located inat least one of the second holes. In further aspects a first one of thetwo plates is an inner plate and a second one of the two plates is amiddle plate located between the inner plate and the seat supportportion. The slot of the middle plate has a second slot which holds thebumper therein at one end of the slot. The slot of the inner plate isconfigured to inhibit removal of the bumper from the middle plate alongthe direction. In additional aspects, the second slot is part of anopening containing the slot and the second slot. In still other aspectsan outermost edge of the second one of said two holes is spaced apartfrom the axis at a distance and a first distance of seat is at least aslong as the distance, the first distance measured from the first one ofthe at least two pins to a first surface transverse to a surface fromwhich the first one of the at least two pins extends.

In further aspects a seat pivot mechanism is provided including a seathaving at least two pins extending therefrom. At least two plates areprovided, each has at least two holes, a first one of said at least twoholes in each of the two plates receives a first one of the at least twopins therein, allowing the first pin to rotate in the first hole aboutan axis. A second one of the at least two holes in each of the twoplates is slot shaped such that when said first pin rotates in the firsthole, the second pin moves along the slot. A bumper is located in atleast one of the second holes. A first one of the two plates is an innerplate, a second one of the two plates being a middle plate locatedbetween the inner plate and a seat support. The slot of the middle platehas a second slot which holds the bumper therein at one end of the slot.The slot of the inner plate configured to inhibit removal of the bumperfrom the middle plate along the direction.

In certain aspects the slots of the inner and middle plates include asemi-circular section. In other aspects the at least two pins includesat least three pins and the first pin is a middle pin between the secondand a third pin, and the first and second plates comprising a third holewhich is slot shaped and configured to receive the third pin and allowthe first or second pin to move along said third hole. In other aspectsthe second hole includes two concentric circular sections spaced apartat a distance at least as large as a diameter of the second pin. Inother aspects ends of the second hole provide stops which defineoccupied and unoccupied positions of the seat.

In certain aspects the at least two holes and the at least two pins areconfigured such that at an insertion angle, the at least two pins areinsertable in a direction perpendicular to the axis into the mechanismsuch that the second pin inserts through both the first and second onesof the at least two holes in the direction and such that once inserted,the second pin inhibits movement of the seat in the direction. In otheraspects the first pin comprises a catch extending from an end thereof ina direction outwards with respect to the axis and the catch and firsthole of the inner plate are dimensioned so as to inhibit movement of thefirst pin along the axis out of the mechanism.

In further aspects a seat pivot mechanism includes a seat having atleast a first and a second pin extending therefrom. Two plates areprovided with each plate having a slot. A first portion of the slot isconfigured to support the first pin and allow the first pin to rotateabout an axis passing through a center of the first pin. A secondportion of the slot is configured to receive the second pin and allowthe second pin to move along a radial path defined by a distance betweenthe first and second pins such that the second portion of the slotincludes first and second stops which interact with the second pin atopen and closed positions of the seat to arrest movement of the secondpin along the radial path. The first and second portions of the slot arein communication such that at an insertion angle, the second pin isinsertable in a direction perpendicular to the axis into the slot in amanner that the second pin passes the first portion of the slot prior tobeing positioned in the second portion of the slot. A catch extends froman end of the first pin in an outward direction with respect to theaxis, wherein the first portion of the slot in a first one of the platesis narrower than the first portion of the slot in a second one of theplates such that the catch is inhibited from removal from the firstportion of the slot in a direction along the axis.

In further aspects a method of manufacturing a plurality of chairs isprovided including one or more of the steps of: providing a plurality offrame pieces, each frame piece cut from one or more flat platesutilizing a two dimensional cutting pattern such that at least two ofthe plurality of frame pieces were cut from one flat plate, each framepiece comprising four portions which are a securing portion, a legportion, a back support portion and a seat support portion; providing aplurality of backrests and connecting each backrest between the two backsupports of two of the plurality of frame pieces; providing a pluralityof seats and connecting each seat between the two seat support portionsof the two of the plurality of frame pieces, the backrest and seatsupported entirely by the securing portions and through the leg portionsof the first and second pieces such that each chair is configured to becantilevered from a first support secured to the securing portions andconnection of the chair to the first support is a removable connection.

In certain aspects the seat has at least two pins extending therefromand at least two plates are connected to the two of the plurality offrame pieces, has at least two holes, a first one of said at least twoholes in each of the two plates receives a first one of said at leasttwo pins therein, allowing the first pin to rotate in the first holeabout an axis, a second one of said at least two holes in each of thetwo plates is slot shaped such that when said first pin rotates in thefirst hole, the second pin moves along the slot, a first one of the twoplates being an inner plate, a second one of the two plates being amiddle plate located between the inner plate and a seat support, theslot of the middle plate having a second slot which holds the bumpertherein at one end of the slot. In other aspects the plurality of framepieces are provided with a bend between the securing portion and the legsupport portion. In further aspects the securing portion has one or moreholes therein and a connector part is secured through the one or moreholes to the securing portion, the connector part including a facetransverse to a face of the securing portion through which the one ormore holes pass. In other aspects, the removable connection allows forseparation from the first support by loosening fewer than six fasteners.In other aspects the removable connection allows for separation from thefirst support by loosening four or fewer fasteners. In certain aspectsseparation following loosening requires one or more of a sliding and arotating movement of the frame pieces corresponding to each chair.

In certain aspects a method of providing a beam mounting system forauditoriums includes one or more of the steps of: providing a beam whichis elongated along a length between two ends; securing the beam to afirst support such that a rear face of the beam faces the first supportand the beam protrudes outwards with respect to the first supportwherein a distance between the rear face and the first support is lessthan 50% a maximum amount which the beam protrudes with respect to therear face; mounting a plurality of support items to the beam from a sideother than the two ends of the beam such that a connector of eachsupport item hangs from beam to allow the support item to slide alongthe length but be retained in a direction transverse the length suchthat the connector is slidable without interference other than fromother support items and corresponding connectors also hung from thebeam; tightening the connector of each support item such that theconnector clamps the beam such that the support item is no longerslidable along the length.

In certain aspects the first support is a concrete riser. In otheraspects the step of securing the beam to the first support comprisesdrilling a plurality of holes in the first support and securing the beamto the first support through the beam with anchors which pass throughthe beam and into respective ones of the plurality of holes. In otheraspects the step of securing the beam further comprises providing one ormore shims and positioning said shims between the first face and thefirst support such that the shims are clamped between the first face andthe first support. In other aspects securing includes drilling aplurality of holes in the first support includes aligning the beam withthe first support and drilling through the beam and the first support.In certain aspects the beam includes a notch extending longitudinallyalong the beam and the securing includes drilling of the holes throughthe notch. In certain aspects the connector mounts inside a channel ofthe beam and clamps the beam between the connector and the support item.In certain aspects the distance between the rear face and the firstsupport is less than 10% of the maximum amount. In certain aspects, thedistance between the rear face and the first support is less 10 cm, morepreferably less than 5 cm and more preferably less than 2 cm. In certainaspects wherein the beam protrudes away from the first support toprovide a channel with an opening facing away from the first supportsuch that the connector is inserted into the channel without interactingdirectly with the rear face of the beam. In certain aspects the beamprotrudes away from the first support to provide at least once catchwith a channel positioned between the catch and the rear face, the catchfacing upwards or rearwards or forwards and the connector configured tofit over the catch and into the channel to mount the support item to thebeam. In certain aspects the support items hang from the beam withoutthe connector contacting the rear face. In certain aspects the supportitem is a chair. In certain aspects the securing step includes providinganchors which pass through holes in the beam and into the first supportand wherein a distance from the first support to the rear face of thebeam is less than a thickness of the beam where the anchors pass throughthe beam. In certain aspects said securing step includes placing one ormore spacers between the beam and the first support. In certain aspectsthe one or more spacers includes a shim which adjusts positioning of thebeam to account for irregularities in the first support. In furtheraspects the support item is a railing. In certain aspects the securingstep includes providing anchors which pass through holes in the beam andinto the first support, the holes positioned in intervals along thelength of the beam. In certain aspects the holes are positioned within achannel of the beam and the connector inserts into the channel such thatthe hole is between the connector and the first support. In otheraspects the non-metallic spacer inhibits corrosion between the beam andconcrete of the first support. In certain aspects the first supportincludes a curved upright wall and said securing step further comprises:anchoring a portion of the beam to conform to the curve of the uprightwall such that the anchoring causes the beam to bend, the bending movingthe first face of the beam closer to the vertical wall and the anchoringholding the beam in a bent configuration. In certain aspects theanchoring step includes anchoring the beam proximate to a first end ofthe beam and progressively anchoring the beam to the first supportstarting proximate the first end and moving towards a second end of thebeam such that each anchor progressively bends the beam. In furtheraspects the mounting step comprises inserting an upper end of theconnector into an upper end of a channel in the protrusion of the beamand rotating a bottom end of the connector past an obstruction on abottom portion of the channel; and the tightening step comprisessecuring the connector to the beam such that the obstruction is clampedbetween the connector and a support of the one or more support items andthe upper end of the connector is retained in the upper end of thechannel.

In other aspects a method of installing a beam mounting system on acurved riser includes one or more of the steps of: providing an beamwhich has a length and which is elongated and substantially straight ina direction and has a first face and a second face, the second facecontaining a protrusion configured to receive a connector which hangsfrom the protrusion to mount a support item connected to the connectorto the beam; positioning the beam adjacent a first support, the firstsupport including an upright wall which is curved; anchoring a portionof the beam to conform to the curve of the upright wall such that theanchoring causes the beam to bend, the bending moving the first face ofthe beam closer to the vertical wall and the anchoring holding the beamin a bent configuration; mounting one or more support items to the beamby hanging the connector from the protrusion.

In certain aspects the protrusion defines a channel and the hangingincludes inserting the connector into the channel. In other aspects thebend in the beam is created without use of hydraulic or electric bendingtools other than tools used in the anchoring step.

In other aspects a method of providing a beam mounting system forauditoriums includes one or more of the steps of: providing a beam whichis elongated along a length; securing the beam to a first support suchthat a bottom face of the beam faces the first support and the beamincludes a protrusion which protrudes upwards with respect to the firstsupport, the first support comprising a concrete floor; mounting aplurality of support items to the beam from a side other than ends ofthe beam such that a connector of each support item clamps to the beamwithout interaction with a bottom of the beam to allow the support itemto slide along the length but be retained in a direction transverse thelength; tightening the connector of each support item to clamp theconnector to the beam without penetrating the beam such that the supportitem is no longer slidable along the length.

In other aspects a method of installing a beam mounting system on acurved riser includes one or more of the steps of: providing an beamwhich has a length and which is elongated in a direction and has a firstface and a second face, the second face configured to receive aconnector securable to a support item which is mounted the beam, whereinthe beam is metallic; positioning the beam adjacent a first supportwhich comprises concrete, the first support including a wall with one ormore spacers between the beam and the first support; anchoring a portionof the beam with a plurality of spaced anchors located between the twoends of the beam, the spaced anchors extending into the wallapproximately perpendicular to the wall and the first face, theanchoring pressing the one or more spacers between the first wall andthe beam and the one or more spacers separating the metal of the beamfrom the concrete of the first support.

In certain aspects the one or more spacers are non-metallic and the beamis aluminum. In certain aspects the method includes mounting a pluralityof support items to the beam via the connector of each support item.

In other aspects a method of installing a beam seating system includesone or more of the steps of: providing a plurality of chairs, eachhaving at least one connector; providing an elongate beam having a firstface and a protrusion extending from a second face of the beam, theprotrusion configured to secure to the connector; securing the elongatebeam to a support such that the first face faces the supports and anon-metallic spacer is clamped between the first face and the support;connecting the connectors to the elongate beam.

In other aspects the method includes connecting the connectors to thebeam comprises inserting the connectors from the front face into a firstportion of the channel and rotating the connectors such that a secondportion of the connector passes over an obstruction on the elongatebeam, sliding the connectors in a first direction such that theobstruction inhibits rotation of the second portion out of the channeland securing the connectors to the beam with one or more fasteners. Incertain aspects said plurality of chairs comprises a number of chairs(N), and said securing step comprises securing the beam to the supportusing a number of anchors (A) which are spaced with respect to eachother along a longitudinal length of the elongate beam such that A isgreater than (N+1)×0.5 and A is less than (N+1)×1.75. In other aspectsthe method includes providing an elongate railing having a plurality ofrailing supports, the railing supports connected to the elongate railingat one end and including one of the at least one connector at anotherend of the railing supports; connecting the connectors of the elongaterailing to the elongate beam such that the elongate beam supports theelongate railing;

In certain aspects the connectors are connected and the railing andplurality of railing supports such that the railing is positioned:above, behind or above and behind the elongate beam.

In other aspects a method of installing a beam mounting system includesone or more of: providing an elongate beam; providing a plurality ofchairs, each having at least one connector, said plurality of chairscomprises a number of chairs (N); securing the elongate beam to asupport using a number of anchors (A) which pass through the elongatebeam and are spaced with respect to each other along a longitudinallength of the elongate beam such that A is greater than (N+1)×0.5 and Ais less than (N+1)×1.75; securing said connector of said plurality ofchairs to the elongate beam to thereby secure the plurality of chairs tothe support.

In other aspects the first face faces the support and the first face islocated relative to the first support less than 50% of a distance fromthe first support to a maximum extension of the beam perpendicular tothe first support and the elongate beam is secured to the support.

In certain aspects a fixed chair for stadium or auditorium seatingincludes a metal frame including four portions comprised of a securingportion, a leg portion, a back support portion and a seat supportportion, the four portions made together from a single flat plate whichis stamped and bent wherein at least part of the leg portion includes astamping therein which creates a raised portion of said single platerelative to an adjacent portion. A bend in said single plate betweensaid leg portion and said securing portion such that said securingportion and said leg portion are transverse to each other. The securingportion is configured to attach to a fixed support such that the fixedchair is cantilevered from said securing portion. In certain aspects abackrest is connected to said back support portion and a pivot elementis connected to said seat support portion and a seat connected to andconfigured to rotate about said pivot element between occupied andunoccupied positions. In certain aspects at least two pins extend fromsaid seat and interacting with said pivot and said pivot comprised oftwo plates, each plate having at least two holes, a first one of said atleast two holes in each of the two plates receives a first one of saidat least two pins therein, allowing the first pin to rotate in the firsthole about an axis. A second one of said at least two holes in each ofthe two plates is slot shaped such that when said first pin rotates inthe first hole, the second pin moves along the slot.

In certain aspects one of the two plates being an inner plate, a secondone of the two plates being a middle plate located between the innerplate and the seat support portion. The slot of the middle plate havinga second slot along a direction of the axis which holds the bumpertherein at one end of the slot. The slot of the inner plate isconfigured to inhibit removal of a bumper from the middle plate alongthe direction. In other aspects at least two pins extend from said seatand interact with said pivot and said pivot comprised of two plates,each plate having at least two holes, a first one of said at least twoholes in each of the two plates receives a first one of said at leasttwo pins therein, allowing the first pin to rotate in the first holeabout an axis. A second one of said at least two holes in each of thetwo plates is slot shaped such that when said first pin rotates in thefirst hole, the second pin moves along the slot. The first hole in thefirst plate is larger than the first hole in the second plate and thefirst one of said at least two pins includes a catch at one end whichinhibits movement of the first one of said at least two pins in at leastone direction along the axis due to the smaller first hole in the secondplate being smaller than a dimension of the catch. In certain aspectsthe bend is approximately a 90 degree angle. In certain aspects thefixed support is a beam.

In other aspects a chair is provided with a metal frame having first andsecond pieces, the first and second pieces each including threeportions, the first and second pieces spaced apart and the threeportions comprised of a securing portion, a back support portion and aseat support portion, the three portions made together from a singleflat plate. A backrest is connected between the two back supportportions of the first and second pieces. A seat is connected between thetwo seat support portions of the first and second pieces. The backrestand seat are supported entirely by the securing portions via the backand seat support portions of the first and second pieces such that thechair is cantilevered from a first support secured to the securingportions.

In certain aspects securing portions of the first and second pieces areeach affixed to one of a plurality of connector elements and theconnector element is configured to secure to a beam mounted to the firstsupport. In certain aspects the first support is a beam. In otheraspects a pivot element is connected to each said seat support portionand said seat connected to and configured to rotate about said pivotelement between occupied and unoccupied positions. In other aspects atleast two pins extend from said seat and interacting with said pivot.The pivot is comprised of a plate having at least two holes, a first oneof said at least two holes receives a first one of said at least twopins therein at an axis and allows the first pin to rotate in the firsthole about the axis. A second one of said at least two holes is slotshaped such that when said first pin rotates in the first hole, thesecond pin moves along the slot. In certain aspects a first one of thetwo plates is an inner plate, a second one of the two plates being amiddle plate located between the inner plate and the seat supportportion. The slot of the middle plate has a second slot which holds thebumper therein at one end of the slot. The slot of the inner plate isconfigured to inhibit removal of the bumper from the middle plate alongthe direction.

In certain aspects the connector element is stamped and includes araised protrusion which extends from a face of the connector elementwhich faces the securing portion and inserts into a void in the securingportion. In other aspects the single flat plate is stamped and bentwherein at least part of the leg portion includes a stamping thereinwhich creates a raised portion of said single plate relative to anadjacent portion. In other aspects a bend is in said single platebetween said leg portion and said securing portion such that saidsecuring portion and said leg portion are transverse to each other firstsupport is a fixed support.

In certain aspects method is provided for manufacturing a plurality ofchairs including one or more steps of: providing a plurality of framepieces, each frame piece cut from one or more flat plates utilizing atwo dimensional cutting pattern such that at least two of the pluralityof frame pieces were cut from one flat plate, each frame piececomprising three portions which are a securing portion, a back supportportion and a seat support portion; providing a plurality of backrestsand connecting each backrest between the two back supports of two of theplurality of frame pieces; providing a plurality of seats and connectingeach seat between the two seat support portions of the two of theplurality of frame pieces; the backrest and seat supported entirely bythe securing portions and through the back and seat support portionssuch that each chair is configured to be cantilevered from a firstsupport secured to the securing portions of the chair.

In certain aspects the method includes providing a connector part whichhas been fed, cut and drilled from an extrusion to create the connectorpart, the connector part has a face transverse to a face of the securingportion; and securing said connector part to said securing portion, saidconnector part securing to said first support between the first supportand the securing portion. In other aspects said plurality of framepieces are provided with a bend between the securing portion and the legsupport portion. In certain aspects said securing portion has one ormore holes therein and a connector part is secured through the one ormore holes to the securing portion, the connector part including a facetransverse to a face of the securing portion through which the one ormore holes pass. In other aspects a removable connection allows forseparation of the chair from the first support by loosening fewer thansix fasteners. In further aspects a removable connection allows forseparation from the first support by loosening four or fewer fasteners.In still other aspects separation following loosening requires one ormore of a sliding and a rotating movement of the frame piecescorresponding to each chair.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of three chairs mounted on the beam seatingsystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 1A-C are perspective views of a beam system similar to FIG. 1 withdifferent chair, table and railing variants mounted to the beam.

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A is a front view of FIG. 1C

FIG. 4 is a detail view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A is a side detail view ofFIG. 1A

FIG. 5 is a detail view of FIG. 3

FIG. 6 is a side view of the beam in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 6A and 6B are sideviews of different beams which can be sued in FIG. 1A-C.

FIGS. 7-9 are side views of the beam system of FIG. 1 showing theprocess of securing the chairs to the beam.

FIGS. 10-13 are side views of alternate chairs secured to the beamsystem of FIG. 1 and show different riser/wall heights behind the chair.

FIGS. 14-16 show a floor mounted beam according to FIG. 1

FIGS. 17-19 show perspective and top views of the beam system accordingto FIG. 1 installed on a curved riser.

FIGS. 20-21 show side views of the system according to FIG. 1 with analternate connector piece use and that connector alone.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of an alternate anchoring configuration forthe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 shows a front view of a beam section depicting the moundingsystem of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective detail view of FIG. 1 with components of thechair removed.

FIG. 25A-C are two perspective views and a side view of one tiltmechanism which can be used in the chair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the seat of the chair of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 27-34 shows perspective views of the tilt mechanism which can beused in the chair of FIG. 1.

FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an alternate construction of thechair frame

FIG. 36 shows a detail perspective view of part of FIG. 35

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of one part of FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 shows a top view of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39-41 show a front perspective, top view and side perspective viewof an alternate part for the chair of FIG. 35.

FIG. 42-43 show side views of alternate beam extrusions and mountingsystems according to the present invention.

FIG. 44-45 show a side views of alternate beam extrusions and clampsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 46A-C show the beam system mounted on a variety of riser heights.

FIGS. 47 and 48 show perspective views of extrusions which can be usedto make the chairs described and shown herein.

FIG. 49 is a process flow showing an embodiment of a manufacturingprocess of a chair described and shown herein.

FIGS. 50-52 show side, and two perspective views of components of thechair's tilt bracket.

FIGS. 53-54 show a CAD file layout for cutting the supports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views. The following examples arepresented to further illustrate and explain the present invention andshould not be taken as limiting in any regard.

FIGS. 1, 1A-C and 2 show the beam system 100 with riser 2 having thebeam 4 secured thereto. The run section 1 of the riser structure isshown longer than a typical installation as the next row riser would beplaced relatively close to the front of the seat bottom 8, whileproviding adequate room for users to move in and out of the rows or asnecessary for relevant building codes. As shown, the chair includessupport 6 which is secured to the beam 4 and provides support for thebackrest 11 and the seat bottom 8. Arms 12 are also provided, typicallywith one end chair (left most chair in the drawing) having two arms withthe remaining chairs having only one side with an arm. However, chairswith two arms each can be provided as well.

The beam 4 as shown has its rear face substantially in contact along theentire direction of the beam (or optionally with a small spacer betweenthe beam and the riser). It is understood that slightvariations/imperfections in the concrete can cause lack of contact alongcertain locations along the beam length, but generally, the beam isdesigned to mount flush to the riser (with a small spacer, typicallynon-metallic). In general, it is preferred that at least 25%, morepreferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 60%, even morepreferably at least 80% and most preferably the entire length of thebeam has contact with the riser (or if mounted on the floor, the run)with only small spaces between to inhibit corrosion or provide forleveling adjustments due to imperfections in the concrete surface. Inpreferred embodiments one spacer is a non-metallic material bonded tothe rear of the beam, for example, electrical tape.

More preferably, this contact is on the top and bottom portions of thebeam (with longitudinal spacers), and in some situations, there is a gapbetween the concrete and beam between the top and bottom portions, butgenerally the length of the beam is in contact with the support (via thespacers). This allows the beam to avoid twisting and making noise.Particularly, most available beam seating systems have the beamsuspended from supports which attach to the floor or concrete riser.These supports are spaced and this means that between the supports, thebeam is more apt to twist when e.g. someone sits on a seat attached tothe beam between supports. This twisting can cause someone sitting downand standing up to cause other adjacent seats to also move and twist dueto the seats being connected by a common beam. With the contact of therear face as described, the beam is less apt to twisting and provides amore secure attachment to the support. Further, the suspended beamportion of existing systems when hit will vibrate and cause noisesomewhat like a tuning fork would in that metal vibrating tends to makea sound. The contact with the rear face of the beam to the supportinhibits or eliminates this noise/vibration. The rear face of the beamwhich is closest to the riser or first support is provided very close ina way that the rear face is more or less inaccessible to clamping from aconnector which secures to a support item such as a chair. As such, thebeam protrudes away from the rear face to provide appropriate surfacesto hang and clamp support items such as a chair to the beam. Thishanging/clamping to the beam is done without interaction with the rearface (which is the rear most face of the beam) and while the a connectormay secure to a rear facing face of the beam, still, the rear face whichis mounted close to the riser/first support is not the face to which theconnector secures/clamps to.

Further, contact between the beam and the support tends to mean that thebeam takes up less space which in turn allows the space in the stadiumwhen the seats are removed to be more useful as the beam is not hangingout a large distance from the riser. In this manner, TV cameras orannouncer boxes or other features other than stadium seats have morespace which allows the stadium to have greater flexibility. It isunderstood that the thin rubber or plastic or other backing/shim/spacersandwiched between the beam and support which would be consideredequivalent to the beam being in contact with the support. FIG. 1A-Cshows a beam 4 which utilizes a similar channel to that of FIG. 1, bututilizes a single center anchor mounting inside the channel rather thantwo anchors mounted outside the channel. By providing for a singleanchor mounting (i.e. multiple single anchors spaced rather than pairsspaced longitudinally), the process of attaching the beam to theconcrete is significantly faster and less expensive and the beam can fitinto smaller riser spaces (FIG. 46A).

Typical anchor mounting will involve drilling a hole in the concreteriser, preferably using the beam as a template to locate the holes. Thenexpansion bolts are placed in and expanded or a threaded rod is insertedwith epoxy in the hole. Further benefits of the present system and theprovided notch or groove 19 allows for holes to be drilled on site asnecessary. Importantly, the beam will need to secure to the concretewithout interfering with other features in the riser. The anchors alsocannot go too close to the end of a riser section, cannot drill into anexpansion joint in the stadium and if there is a crack in the concretewhere a hole is supposed to go, the hole cannot be drilled and must belocated in a different place. Thus, when drilling for the anchors,locations where the existing and provided holes in the beam do not lineup in acceptable locations can be determined and a hole in the beam canbe made where the adjusted hole should go with a hole in the concretefollowing. While other systems may provide separate supports whichsecure to the concrete and then that the beam secures to the supports, alocation where holes cannot be drilled could prove problematic in thatthe beam is provided with different and potentially much longer thandesigned lengths between supports which could cause twisting due to thebeam being located relatively far away from the concrete riser incomparison to the present system.

As shown in FIG. 17, the riser system may also be curved, this isespecially common in corners and/or ends of stadiums. Because the beamprojects a small distance from the riser and also has the open frontchannel, it tends to have a smaller moment of inertia (as used in abending calculation) such that the beam is able to bend along itslongitudinal direction with relative ease as compared to other prior artbeams. For example, prior art beams are often of a square tube crosssection or other closed but hollow cross section. This means that inorder to bend these prior art beams, hydraulic or electric bendingpresses or roll benders are required in order to fit the mounting systemon curved rows. Alternately, many small pieces of beams can be usedalong the curve, but this significantly increase installation costs andlimits the flexibility of the seating arrangements available in thosesection. However, the present beam can be bent by use of the concreteanchors and human developed force. For example, the beam can be drilledwith mounting holes first and then one concrete anchor is aligned andsecured at one end of the beam. Next, the location of the next concreteanchor is determined and drilled in the concrete and the beam is pressedtowards that anchor. Since the radius of the first support (riser) isrelatively large (shallow curve), the nut for the anchor can be threadedeasily or with a little bit of pressure from the installer. The anchoris then tightened and the process of tightening the anchor bends thebeam into place such that the rear face of the beam contacts the riser.Once secured to the riser, the beam is unlikely to bend further as it issupported by a large concrete structure. Since the beam is relativelytall as compared to its projection, this provides vertical resistance tobending between the anchors which is sufficient to support the chairsand the weight of people sitting in the chairs. Thus, by the beam beingin contact with the support and the rear face of the beam generally notbeing accessible for securing chairs to the beam, the beam can take upless space, be bent to match curved risers and can avoid vibration andtwisting once chairs are installed.

The beam 2 in particular embodiments is of a height (measured verticallyin FIG. 6) which is at least three times the depth (measuredhorizontally in FIG. 6) and includes the open channel in the front facewhich opening at the front of the beam extends generally at least 30% ofthe height, with the opening measured between the front mostobstructions of the channel, 32 and 26. More particularly the height isat least four or even more particularly at least five the depth and moreparticularly the opening is at least 40% or more particularly 50% ormore even more particularly at least 60% of the height.

FIG. 1A shows an armless chair mounted to the beam. FIG. 1B shows FIG.1A but with one of the chairs replaced fora table 8′. FIG. 10 showsanother support item which can attach to the beam, namely a railing 8″which includes rail support 6″. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 10, thechairs and railings (and table) all utilize the same support bracket orconnector part 350 which in the shown embodiments is riveted to thevarious supports. The railing support 6″ is provided from flat cut platesimilar to the chair which provides significant flexibility in railingdesign and securing. Further, as seen in FIG. 3A, the bracket 350 islocated between two adjacent chairs, thus allowing the railing and thechairs to all mount to the same beam at the same time.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the support 6 includes plate 60 or securingportion which is formed by bending the support. It is this plate 60which assists in securing to the beam.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the plate 60 has bolts 10 there throughwhich secure to connector 16 which includes two threaded holes. In thisexample, the connector 16 is a flat plate, but other shapes can beutilized. The beam is secured to the riser 2 with threaded anchors 18and nuts 20. These anchors 18 are typically commercially availableconcrete anchors as the riser 2 is typically made from concrete.However, the riser may be made of another material and otherconventional fasteners appropriate for securing the beam to the risermay be used. The beam may be initially provided without holes for theanchors 18 and instead a notch 19 is provided generally running alongthe length of the beam both for the top and bottom bolts. The beam canthen be cut for the particular row length on site and the idea anchorlocation can be determined. Once determined, the beam can be drilled andnotch 19 will help the installer locate the drill bit at the correctlocation vertically with the lateral location at the discretion of theinstaller (or architect/engineer/manager as appropriate).

The channel 160 of the beam as shown in FIG. 6 has a number of importantfeatures which enable the connector 16 to secure easily to the beam fromthe front and also allow for easy removal or repositioning of the chair.

The rear face 200 of the beam is mounted facing the riser 2 Upperextension 22 extends adjacent upper tab 40 and this upper tab includespart of the rear face 200 of the beam. Downward (or inward) extendingtab 24 extends to end 26 from the upper extension 22. Catch 34 extendsfrom the inner face of the channel 160 and a bottom outward edge 340 islocated at a distance above face 31 which is substantially equal thedistance from the bottom edge 70 of connector 16 to the top 71 of bolt10 to allow for vertical movement of the support 6 to be restricted oncethe bolt 10 is screwed in enough to interact with the catch 34. A secondcatch (not shown) may be provided to interact with the lower bolt of thetwo shown in a similar fashion, or the catch may be moved down tointeract with the lower bolt. The lower extension 28 extends from lowertab 42 which includes part of the rear face 200 of the beam. Thisextension 28 also has a upward (or inward) extending tab 30 that extendsto end 32 and outer surface 33 is provided to support the lower edge 70of plate 60 once installation is completed. The distance from end 32 toend 26 is smaller than the distance from end 70 to 72 of the connector16. In this manner, the connector 16 is retained by tabs 24/30 once theconnector is fitted inside the channel 160 of the beam. The distancefrom end 32 to upper inner end 39 of the interior face of the extension22 is larger than the distance from end 70 to end 72 of the connector16. In this manner, the connector 16 can be easily inserted into thechannel, but is also retained once located appropriately and fastened.Thus, the tab 30 provides an obstruction for the connector 16 insertinginto and exiting the channel in that the obstruction requires theconnector to be positioned in a specific manner in order to allow forinsertion/removal of the connector 16. In the embodiment shown, theupper and lower extensions include hollow sections 33/33′ which providefor weight savings of the beam. FIG. 6 also shows spacer 186 on the rearface of the beam. Preferably, the beam is a metal extrusion, typicallyaluminum and in this case, it is desirable to separate the metal fromthe concrete to inhibit/prevent corrosion due to contact with theconcrete. Corrosive tendencies between aluminum and concrete areparticularly important to avoid and thus spacer 186 will typically be anon-metallic and preferably of an electrically non-conductive material.Vinyl tape (electrical tape) or adhesive backed rubber are examples ofsuitable materials.

FIG. 6A shows a beam similar to FIG. 6 but with the anchor notch 19located in the channel (FIG. 4A shows where the anchor 18′ goes throughthe beam, with the center axis of the hole located at the notch). FIG.6A provides a second catch 340 as compared to FIG. 6A and the tab 40/42removed with the rear face of the beam modified to accommodate clip onspacers 186′/186″. As shown, these spacers have a cavity which clips onto a cooperatively shaped protrusion on the beam's rear face and throughinterference fit, the spacers will secure to the beam. Spacer 186″ isoptionally provided with a center drilled hole located where the anchorwill pass through. Typically these spacers 186′/186″ are roughly 0.5-5inches wide or more particularly 1-2 inches wide, but longer or narrowerwidths are contemplated. FIG. 6B shows the beam similar to FIG. 6A butwith the spacers 186′ being used in three locations and additionalhollow sections 600 with ribs between the inner channel face 604 and therear beam face. As shown, there are 5 hollow sections with two pairsbeing mirror images of each other. It is understood that the hole in thebeam would still go through the notch shown between the catches butwould go through both the channel face 604 and the rear face of the beamand the spacer shown in the center of the beam. The added ribs 602 andhollow sections 600 are located between the channel and the rear face ofthe beam and provide for added torsional and bending rigidity which inturn allows the chairs and other support items to vibrate less and bemore sturdy when subjected to loads. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6b, certain of the ribs align between the channel and rear face align withribs which in part define the channel and define the upper and lowerextensions to which the connector 16/16′ secures to. In addition, thehollow sections 600 can be used to feed cables through the beam, forexample, electrical or signal cables and methods of installing thesystem may include feeding electrical and/or signal cables through oneor more of the hollow sections 600.

FIGS. 7-9 show how the connector 16 is inserted into the beam. In FIG.7, the connector is positioned at angle 73 and inserted 75 such that end72 goes fills space 38 or preferably contacts inner end 39. Theconnector is then tilted/rotated (clockwise in the view shown) to be ata second angle (shown generally vertical — See FIG. 8). Then, oncegenerally vertical, end 70 has passed over end 32 and the connector canbe slid downwardly 80 as shown in FIG. 8 so that end 70 contacts face31. Further, end 74 of the plate 60 contacts face 33 and is supportedthereby.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bolts are tightened 92, pressing 900 the plate60 against the beam, specifically the outer faces of tabs 24/30. Theresult is that the bolts clamp the tabs 24/30 between the connector 16and plate 60 while the bottom faces both inner 31 and outer 30 faceswhich are in/adjacent the channel 160 support the bottom of the plate 60to inhibit downward movement of the chair. Vertical movement isinhibited by interaction of the bolts with catch 340 to prevent theconnector 16 and specifically its upper edge 72 from sliding up intospace 38 and thus allowing the bottom edge 70 of the connector to beremoved. In certain embodiments, the catch 340 may be longer than shown,thus requiring a significant portion of the bolt to be un-threaded toallow for removal of the seat out the front of the beam. In this manner,chairs can be secured to the beam at any position along the beam withoutinterference from any structure which supports the beam and theinterface between the beam and the chairs is very close to the riser 2.Further, with the bolts loosened, the chairs can be slid along the beamto provide for ease of adjustment (left to right from the view of FIG.3). Further, the anchors which connect the beam to the first supportwill not interfere with this sliding motion. It is also understood thatprior to the bolts being tightened, the connector 16 would be retainedin the channel against linear outward movement opposite the direction ofarrow 900, but that upward movement of the connector 16 would allow theconnector to be removed once the tab/end 30/32 is cleared frominterference with the bottom 70 of the connector 16.

Typically, the interface between the chair and beam is less than 5inches away from the riser, more particularly less than 4 inches, moreparticularly less than 3 inches and even more particularly less than 2inches away from the riser 2. The result of this is that the distancefrom the riser 2 to the seat pivot is fairly small, resulting in lessspace taken up by the seat when the seat bottom 8 is in the up position,thus saving significant space on a per-row basis as the run per row istypically dependent on how much space is required between the seat whenin the closed (or un-occupied) position and the riser in front thereof.Further, the closer the seat pivot to the beam, the smaller the bendingmoment due created when the chair is occupied. This allows less materialto be used to provide adequate support for the chair.

Due to the configuration of the beam in that the beam is secured to theriser through bolts which are outside of the channel, the chair andchair support can be secured at any position along the beam and themanner in which the beam secures to the riser will not interfere withthe chair securing to the channel. This enables the beam to be installedand then a variety of seats to be used. For example, a “VIP”configuration seat which may be larger and wider than other seats can besecured to the beam and then replaced with another type of seat,depending on the needs of the stadium/auditorium for the particularevent. Seats can also be easily removed as needed without havingbeams/supports protruding extensively from the riser face in that thebeam will only extend a matter of inches out from the riser face.

Furthermore, the support 6 and plate 60 are formed by bending andstamping a metal plate which provides for a more simple manufacturingprocess which also does not require expensive molds to create a beamsecuring system. Furthermore, the connector 16 in preferred embodimentsis also a metal plate with two threaded holes sized appropriately to fitin the channel 160 in the manner described herein. It is understood thatconnector 16′ could replace connector 16 and function and operate in thesame similar manner for purposes of the chair installation process.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13 the beam system is shown with a different stylechair mounted thereto and various dimensions are shown. Particularly,comparing FIGS. 10 to 11 (and 12 to 13), FIGS. 11 and 13 show relativelyhigh vertical wall behind the chair. As a result, the arm 206 whichsecured between the beam and chair is relatively long as compared toFIGS. 10 and 12 in that the backrest is angled back, thus the longerlength of the arm 206 is required for clearance. As this arm is longer,it results in significantly higher stresses on the beam. As a result, itmay be desirable in certain instances to place the beam on the floor asshown in FIGS. 14-16, thus reducing the need for the cantilever arm 206to extend a long length and placing the beam generally under the weightof the user. This system may also be used in auditoriums with straightrows on an floor (angled or flat) in that the chairs could be removed toonly leave the beams on the ground to allow for placement of e.g. afalse floor on top of the beams to provide for a generally open space ifseating is not desired. Due to the small profile of the beam, thisincreased flexibility is provided for the auditorium to have a varietyof flexible seating (and standing room) configurations.

FIG. 17-19 shows the beam being installed on a curved riser 2′. Curvedrisers are often found in the corners of large stadiums and present adifficult issue for installers of common beam systems. Particularly,many beam systems are relatively stiff in both vertical and horizontalbending, meaning that the curve of the riser would need to be bent intothe beam via horizontal bending in order for the beam to fit.Alternately, multiple smaller straight sections of beam would beemployed to fit around the curve. In either case, large bending machineswould be required or it would be necessary to make more cuts and fits ofthe beam to fit around the curved riser. However, in the present system,the beam is stiff in the vertical bending direction but generally not asstiff in the horizontal bending direction as shown in FIGS. 17-19. Dueto the curve riser 2′ having a relatively large radius of curvature, anddue to the dimensions of the beam and its ability to bend easily, thebeam can easily be bent by the installer without use of large bendingtools such as hydraulic or electric presses. Rather, the anchors 18provide sufficient force to allow the beam to bend to match the riser 2′curve. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, typically bolt and nut 180 will beinstalled on the end of the beam and it will be pressed 182 towards theriser. The beam can be pre-drilled with holes and then the anchors 18would be located accordingly. With the end bolt 180 on, the beam isprogressively pushed 183 onto other anchors 18 going down the length ofthe beam. This progressively bends the beam until it is secured to theriser in the curved configuration. As the curve is relatively gentle(large radius), the connectors can be inserted as shown in the previousfigures without significant problems due to the slightly modified shapeof the beam. Typically, the connectors for the seat would be spacedapart slightly more as compared to a straight beam as the end of theseats would tend to be closer together due to the curve of the beam. Thebeam as shown in FIGS. 17-18 is substantially straight before it is bentto conform to the riser as shown in FIG. 19. While the beam may not beperfectly straight, as it is extruded, it is designed to generally bestraight and there can be some imperfections or variances in the beamthat make it less than perfectly straight. The bending process from FIG.18-19 will generally conform the beam to the riser whereas the beambegins the process generally being a straight extrusion withinacceptable manufacturing tolerances. This substantially straight beam iscontrasted with a beam or pipe which is designed to be curved from themanufacturing process (e.g. a curved extrusion or a straight extrusionplaced in a bending/rolling press to pre-bend the beam to curve). As canbe seen, spacer 186 is between the beam and the riser 2′ and additionalspacers 184 may be used as shims to account for variances in the riser2′ geometry, for example, if portions of the riser 2′ where the beam ismounted are not perfectly vertical (or at the desired angle). Spacers184 are shown as a washer, but other geometries can be employed and thespacers 184 do not necessarily need to be secured around thebolts/anchors as shown. It is understood that a similar method ofassembly can be used for the non-curved risers 2 but that the describedbending would not be necessary or would be less necessary. There maystill be some bending employed with straight risers due to variances inthe riser surface. The spacers 184/186 are equally applicable forstraight and curved risers. As can be seen, the rear face of the beam isdesigned to be anchored to the riser in close proximity both for curvedand straight configurations of the riser. By keeping the riser and rearbeam face in close proximity the beam is more able to transfer thestiffness of the riser to the chair such that the twisting orcantilevered bending resistance of the chair does not rely primarily onthe ability of the beam to resist torsion. Other prior art beam systemswill commonly have “L” shaped mounts to which the beam then sits on topof. The result is that the beam's torsional stiffness becomes theprimary way in which the chair cantilever support is accomplished. Theresult is that the chairs will tend to “vibrate” and that sitting on onechair may twist the beam such that it impacts other chairs. By providinga number of anchors along the length of the beam, this “vibration” ortwisting is significantly minimized and can be further minimized bysimply adding more anchors. At the same time, chairs (or other supportitems) can be easily removed and/or repositioned by simply loosening thefour bolts that clamp the connector to the beam. Thus, one criticalimprovement to the present system is that the rear beam face is veryclose to the riser and in preferred embodiments only spacers to avoidcorrosive tendencies of aluminum and concrete contact and any shimsneeded to adjust for surface level are provided on the rear of the beam.Typically, the spacing between the riser and rear beam face will be lessthan a thickness of the beam where the anchors pass through the beam.Similar spacing holds true for when the beam is mounted on the floorsuch that the bottom face of the beam is equally close to the floor. Itis understood that the bottom face in the floor mounted configurationwould be the same face of the beam as the rear face in the riser mountedconfiguration.

FIG. 20-21 shows an alternative connector 16′. The connector 16′includes posts 163′/163″ adjacent to the threaded holes. In this case,the posts are positioned between but adjacent the respective threadedholes, but the reverse could also be used. The ends 162′ and 164′ arespaced in a manner similar to connector 16 in view of the internaldimensions of the beam cavity. The posts 163′/163″ press against theface of plate 60 which is part of the chair support so thatprogressively tightening the bolts 10 does not continue to bend theplate 16′ in that the posts bear directly against the face of the plate60 such that the distance between the posts 163′/163″ is minimized suchthat significant bending of the connector 16′ is inhibited. However, theheight of the post 163′/163″ is about equal to or slightly smaller thanthe thickness of the portions of the beam which are clamped between theconnector and the chair support (e.g. the rear face 362 of the partshown in FIG. 41 or similar face of other similar parts/portions of thechair and the portions of the beam 26/30 which define the narrowedopening into which the connector inserts as shown in FIGS. 7-9. This caninhibit failure of the system due to the warping of the connector.Further, between end 162′ and center portion 165′ is a thicker section161′ through which the threaded hole passes and a curved/fillet area islocated between thicker section 161′ and the end 162′. The other side ofthe connector 16′ is shown with the same geometry. In this manner whenfaces 166′ and 167′ press against the interior of the beam to create theclamping action, the curved section along with the thicker section 161′tends to further inhibit bending/warping of the connector 16′ while atthe same time allowing for the ends 162′/164′ to insert and fit into thebeam channel/cavity during installation and the posts 163′/163″ to bearagainst the rear of the plate 60. It is understood that certain drawingsshow connector 16′ and others show connector 16, but that eachfigure/embodiment can use either connector 16 or 16′. Preferably,connector 16′ is used though.

The distance from face 166′ to the end of post 163′ is equal to or lessthan the thickness of tab 24 and the same relationship holds true withrespect to post 163″ and face 167′ as related to tab 30. Preferably,this distance is less than the tab 24/30 thickness in a manner whichallows for sufficient clamping pressure to be generated between plate 60and the connector. In this manner, the clamping pressure can be designedinto the system to inhibit bending of the connector 16′ duringinstallation due to an installer being overly aggressive in theirtightening in a manner that the tightening actually causes the connector16′ to bend. As can be seen, the connector 16′ (and connector 16) allowsfor a bolt to secure thereto without use of separate nuts in that thethreads are integrally cut into the connector. By using two threadedholes and corresponding bolts, tightening of one bolt uses the otherbolt in part to inhibit rotation of the connector 16′ (or 16) due to thetorque on the first bolt. This allows the chairs (or other supportitems) to be secured to the beam with a minimum amount of pieces,particularly four bolts without the need for separate nuts. Thus, foreach side of the chair to secure to the beam, only three separate parts(2 bolts, 1 connector) are required (six total parts per chair). Thisgreatly simplifies installation.

Referring to FIG. 22, in some cases, the concrete riser is too small tohave the anchors positioned in tabs 40/42 of the beam. To that end,anchors 18′ can be located in the interior space of the beam. It isfurther understood that a groove similar to groove 19 can be providedwhere anchors 18′ are centered in the interior of the beam, specificallythat a groove can extend along the longitudinal direction of the beam toallow the installer to drill the beam at a number of locations. In theconfiguration shown, typically, the upper and lower anchors would beoffset (FIG. 23) with respect to each other in the longitudinaldirection. It is also contemplated that combinations of the anchorspositioned can be provided or that the beam can be provided without thetabs 40/42 shown, depending on the desired configuration, mountingrequirements and riser height/position.

It is understood that other items may be mounted to the beam in additionto chairs by utilizing the same connector structure, but with differentthings supported from the connector. Particularly, items such as tablesand railings can be mounted in addition to media and camera equipment.The beam and connector system disclosed herein can be adapted toreleasably secure a variety of items to the beam in a modular and easyto modify manner.

FIG. 24 shows the support 6 has a leg portion 62. A seat support portion68 extends outwards with respect to the leg portion 62. A backrestsupport portion 66 extends above the leg portion 62 and the seat supportportion 68. The plate 60 is cut on a 2d cutting machine (e.g. waterjet/laser, plasma) and then formed by bend 61 (FIG. 24) and thedepression/protrusion 64 (depending on which side the same is viewedfrom) is stamped in the support 6 to provide additional rigidity to thesupport frame 6. This depression/protrusion 64 includes a centralgenerally planar/flat portion with a surrounding angled/curved portion.In certain aspects the connector 16 is not utilized with the beammounting system and instead the plate 60 is simply bolted to the fixedsupport. As shown, the depression/protrusion 64 is generally located onthe leg support 62 and is generally elongated in a vertical direction,terminating about at the center of the pivot 82 of the chair. Moreparticularly, the depression/protrusion 64 is shown terminating belowthe backrest 10. The backrest portion 66 generally does not requireadded rigidity due to a stamping in that this backrest portion 66 isinhibited from buckling due to the backrest 10 being attached thereto.However, without the stamping which provides the depression/protrusion,the thickness of the support 6 would typically need to be greater toavoid instability/buckling issues under load. It is contemplated that athicker support 6 or the stamping (or both) could be used, depending onthe design requirements. But, typically, it would be preferable to use athinner support 6 with the stamping to allow for material savings.

Although it is shown that the bend 61 is generally vertically locatedsuch that the plate 60 is on the rear end of the leg portion 62, it isalso contemplated that the bend 61 could extend horizontally such thatthe plate extends from the bottom end of the leg portion 62 to act as afoot. In either case, the seat would be mounted/cantilevered to thefixed support by virtue of the plate 60 being fixedly secured directlyor indirectly to the fixed support such that the seat is cantileveredfrom the plate 60.

Weight 78 is provided to secure to the seat (which may be blow molded)and allows the seat to rotate to the closed position automatically whenun-occupied. Anchors 86 connect the plate 80 to the seat 8. Similaranchors mount the seat backrest 10.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-C and FIG. 26, the seat tilt mechanism is shown.Inner plate 3 includes curved channels 98/96 and outer plate 5 hassimilar channels but with a larger portion which receives bumper 92.Both plates 3/5 are cut from planar sheets and can be cut using twodimensional cutting tools such as a water jet or laser cutter. Theplates are then stacked on top of each other with the bumper 92 insertedinto one and the plates are bolted 100 to the frame 6 of the chair(specifically the seat support portion 68 of the frame 6). The bushing102 rests in central hole 800 which pin 82 secured to plate 80 extendsfrom. The bumper is roughly the same thickness as plate 5 and getssandwiched between plate 3 and the support 6. Two additional pins 84/86also extend from plate 80 (FIG. 26) and rotate through the channels 90,98 and 96, 88. The outer view of the assembly with outer plate 17removed is shown in FIG. 25B and 25C. Channel 90 includes an enlargedopening 95 in the area of the bumper 92 and a narrowing portion 94 whichnarrows towards the enlarged area so that the bumper 92 can be slidlaterally (in and out of the page) and then when the plate 5 is securedbetween frame 6 and inner plate 3, the bumper 92 is retained in opening95. As the seat lifts up pin 84 hits bumper 92 which dampens themovement and absorbs energy and also inhibits noise to ensure quietoperation. FIG. 26 shows the pin plate 80 which includes pins 82, 84 and86 secured thereto, for example, by welding or bolting. The seat pivotsabout pin 82 which is provided as a larger diameter as it bears moreload than the other pins. Although shown with two outer pins 84/86 andtwo channels 90/88, the plates could be provided instead with only twopins (pin 82 and one more) and the plates could be provided with onechannel and a hole for pin 82. However, the two pins 84/86 andcorresponding channels provide added distribution of loading in theoccupied position.

FIGS. 27-34 show an alternate seat tilt mechanism which is riveted 1000to the support portion 68. FIG. 29 shows the support portion 68 andrivets 1000 removed and outer plate 5000 is shown with channel 8800which allows pin 8600 to move therein back and forth between open andclosed positions of the seat. Pin 8000 rests in the center pivot andincludes a snap on bushing 8202 which is preferably made of plastic andis generally configured as a ring with a cut therethrough at one end toallow for snap on insertion by opening the cut to bend back the ring andplacing it over the narrower portion of pin 8202 which is attachedsecurely to the seat bottom. Opposite channel 8800 is a larger openingwhich allows for insertion of the pins 8600, 8400 and 8000 at aninsertion angle (which may be a range of angles). When pin 8600 isaligned with space 8004 (with the seat about half way between open andclosed positions) and the cap 7000 removed, the pins 8000, 8600 and 8400can be slid out perpendicular to the rotation axis of pin 8000, orinserted in a similar way. FIG. 34 shows line 222 where when the centersof pins 8000, 8600 and 8400 are all aligned with that line 222, the seatcan be moved out or in along the path of the line (once the cap isremoved). Otherwise, the seat is retained in the bracket, particularly,pin 8600 inhibits removal.

Cap 7000 is preferably a plastic cap which has tabs which clip intoopenings 5002/5002′ on the outer plate 5000 (similar openings also areprovided in the inner plate 3000. The center pin 8000 is provided with agenerally “T” shaped cross section. In this manner, the portion whichreceives the bushing 8202 will generally bear against the inner plate3000 (through the bushing) to allow for rotation and the upper portionof the “T” shape will rotate within opening 5006 and be constrained frommovement along the rotation axis by shelf 6006 which is defined by thedifference in size between opening 3006 and 5006. As the seat bracketassembly shown in FIG. 27-34 is mirrored on the left side (right side isshown), the right side will inhibit movement of the pin 8000 towards theleft and the left side will inhibit movement towards the right. In thismanner, the left and right pin 8000 of the seat stay positioned withinthe bracket assembly. Stops are created by surfaces 5004, 3004 and5004′, 3004′ and these sops interact with pin 8400 in the open andclosed positions of the seat. Pins 8600 and 8400 are also preferablyprovided with bumpers thereon, in particular embodiments a rubber “O”ring works well to provide noise dampening and to avoid metal on metalcontact as the pins hit the respective stops. Channel 8800 is providedwith stops as the ends of the channel. In this bracket assembly, similarto the assembly shown in FIGS. 25A-C, the pieces 5000, 3000 can be cutfrom flat plate much like the rest of the chair and this allows for 2-dcutting tools such as water jet or laser cutting to be used inmanufacturing. This provides a metal bracket but also allows for easyremoval of the chair bottom from the bracket in a manner which allowsfor easier and more compact shipping of the chair in that the supports6, chair back 10, seat bottom 8 can all be shipped disassembled andeasily assembled together on-site. In addition, the modular nature ofthe seat back 10 and bottom 8 in relation to the supports 6 allows fordifferent back/bottom configurations to be offered, but still be usablewith the same frame. For example, a padded seat/back could be a moreexpensive option whereas blow molded (no padding) seat/back could be aless expensive option, but with both utilizing the same seat frame andbracket assembly.

FIGS. 50-52 show an alternate single plate tilt bracket made fromextrusion 1001 (FIG. 47). Pins 86/84 are provided and pin 82′ is alsoprovided with a “T” shaped cross section The relief cut 501 is machinedfrom the extrusion 1001 and relief cuts 500 are also cut from theextrusion which is then fed longitudinally and cut off to create thebracket. Cap (FIG. 52) has nubs 500′ which sit in notch 500 to inhibitmovement along the rotation axis of the seat of the cap and then thecatches at the end of the “C” shape fit into the corresponding notchesin the bracket (FIG. 50) to cover the pin 84. This bracket is alsoattached to the support, preferably by rivets.

Referring to FIG. 35, an alternate chair is provided where frame 6 isstill made from flat plate construction techniques but the connectorpiece 350 is separately attached with rivets 352 which pass throughholes 354 and corresponding holes in the lower securing portion 60′ ofthe frame pieces. Vertical face 356 is bounded by two vertical sides toaccept the lower portion of frame 6 therein and vertical face 356provides some bending/twist resistance against the frame piece. FIG. 39depicts an alternate piece to piece 350 which has holes 354 also forrivets but also is provided with bosses 357/355 of different shapes suchthat the frame piece 6 is provided with corresponding holes to fit thebosses 357 and to align with holes 354 such that riveting and fitting iscompatible in particular orientations to ensure proper assembly of theframe 6 to the plate 350′. Essentially, rivets would enter through holes354 whereas the bosses/protrusions 357/355 would insert intocorrespondingly shaped holes/voids in the securing portion 60′ of theframe pieces. These additional holes to receive the bosses 357/355 canalso be cut during when the flat plates are cut using 2d cutting tools,e.g. laser or water jet cutting. Piece 350′ is stamped and includes rib358 which provides for added stiffness to the part 350′. Face 360 willabut the frame piece at the securing portion 60′ with race 362 facingthe beam/first support and connecting to the connector 16/16′. Theriveting will provide a permanent connection between the parts whereasthe connector 16/16′ is releasably or removably secured to the chairwith the bolts 10. Other riveting connections described herein are alsoconsidered permanent connections which would need some form ofdestructive force to separate parts.

FIG. 42 shows a side view of a beam which includes a hollow generallybox section 422 co-extruded with the beam section 424 which generallymatches that of FIG. 6. The bottom 426 of the box section 422 connectsto legs 420 at intervals along the length of the beam, typically withbolts or rivets or the like. FIG. 43 shows an alternate embodiment ofFIG. 42 where instead of face 428 being generally flat, that faceincludes beam section 424 which generally matches that of FIG. 6. Inthis manner, chairs can be mounted facing opposite directions, butmounted to the same structural support system. The connector 16′ shownin FIG. 20-21 is shown installed in beam sections 424 but no chair isshown for purposes of saving illustration space, but it is understoodthat a chair (or other supported item) would connect to that connectorin the manner previously described above. The beams which areco-extruded, especially that of FIG. 42 are especially useful incollapsing riser systems in that the co-extrusion can be integrated intothe riser system to allow for chairs to be attached on an as-neededbasis and still allow the stair/bleacher/riser system to be stored outof the way when necessary. The extrusion of FIG. 42 could be mounted toallow for floor (run) or riser mount on the bleacher system. An examplebleacher system is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,407,943 and 5,069,007 andthe content of these are incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 44 shows an alternate beam configuration with catches 440 and 442which interact with connector parts 446 and 444 which likewise secure toa chair. The catches 440 and 442 provide for generally rearward facingsurfaces over which connector parts 446 and 444 will fit. Part 444 wouldbe bolted to part 446 to thereby secure the chair (or supported item) tothe beam. The beam of both FIGS. 44 and 45 is mounted directly to thesupport or riser using the shown anchors in a manner similar to that ofprevious figures.

FIG. 46A-C shows certain flexibility gained in utilizing 2d cut partsfor the chair supports in that leg section 62 length can be varied basedon the riser height such that customizing the chair to meet therequirements of a particular stadium or auditorium simply requiresmodifying the length of the leg section 62 in the computer aided design(CAD) file for the support. Once modified, a layout can be generatedwith multiples of the support patterns on a single sheet of materialwhich is then cut and the remaining pieces of the chair would remain thesame. Certain prior art beam mounting systems which allow for attachingthe chair at any point of the beam without interference from mountingsupports to the riser typically utilize injection molded plastic partsto provide for clipping over the top of the beam and while this maymount the chair to the beam, the expense of changing the leg length fora different stadium design requires significant expense in re-toolingand making new molds. Thus, the flat plate construction provides thebenefits of other beam systems which provide for mounting at anylocation along the beam but also provides for flexibility in design ofthe chairs and flexibility in the ability to easily modify the chair orsupport item heights/dimensions to accommodate differentstadium/auditorium designs. Thus, in the larger riser variant (FIG. 46C,the leg section 62 length is significantly reduced or even possibly zeroas compared to FIG. 46A which has a longer leg section 62. FIG. 53-54shows two example CAD layouts for cutting a number of supports 6 on a4′×8′ flat plate.

FIGS. 47 and 48 show two extrusions used in the manufacturing processwith extrusion 1001 being used to create the tilt bracket/hinge to allowthe seating surface to tilt up/down. Extrusion 350″ is used to createthe bracket 350 which secures to the seat supports and to the beam withuse of the connector 16′. The connector 16′ would also be initiallyprovided as an extrusion with the cross section shown. These longextrusions are fed, machined/drilled and cut over and over to massproduce the parts which make up the chair. Particularly, the extrusionfor the connector 16′ would be fed longitudinally, drilled to create athreaded hole and then fed longitudinally again and then cut off withthe process repeating. As shown in FIG. 49, the process of creating thechairs involves creating a 2d layout of the support 1000 and cutting thesupport from a flat plate 1002 with multiple supports cut from the sameflat plate. The extrusion 350″ is provided 1004 and fed longitudinally1006, it is then drilled for the rivet holes and the holes through whichbolts secure to the threaded holes in the connector 16/16′. Theextrusion 350″ is fed 1006 again (not shown a second time) and thelateral cut 1012 is done to cut off the extrusion and create bracket350. A similar process is provided for the extrusion 1001 (feeding 1016,machining 1018, feeding again, cutting laterally 1012). These nowmanufactured parts are secured 1014 to the 2d cut support. The remainingchair parts are added (e.g. back, seat, arms) and the chair can now besecured to the beam using the connectors 16/16′.

Importantly with all of the beams and variants which mount to a floor orriser as described herein, the face of the beam which faces the mountingsurface is relatively close to that surface. Preferably, the spacingbetween the two facing surfaces of the beam and riser/support/floor onlyhas spacers 186/184 there between in order to minimize spacing betweenthe beam and the riser/support/floor. Doing this allows for the beam toact more as an extension of the riser/floor/support, thus transferringits stiffness to the length of the beam. Generally, the spacing betweenthe two facing surfaces of the beam and riser/support/floor is less than50% of a maximum outward projection distance of the beam. In morepreferred embodiments, this distance is less than 25% the maximumprojection, more particularly less than 15% of the maximum projection.In preferred embodiments this minimized distance applies along more than40% of the length of the beam, more particularly more than 60% of thelength of the beam, even more particularly more than 80% of the lengthof the beam and more preferably more than 90% of the length of the beam.In this manner, the spacers 184/186 are generally clamped between thebeam and the riser/support/floor substantially along the entire lengthof the beam. Furthermore, the ability for an installer to locate thenotch 19 in the beam (which is understood to be an option in all beamvariants), the installer can locate places where the beam may needadditional support or where undesirable flexing occurs and a hole can bedrilled through the beam at the appropriate location and also into theconcrete, and an anchor installed.

It should be noted that, while various functions and methods have beendescribed and presented in a sequence of steps, the sequence has beenprovided merely as an illustration of one advantageous embodiment, andthat it is not necessary to perform these functions in the specificorder illustrated. It is further contemplated that any of these stepsmay be moved and/or combined relative to any of the other steps. Inaddition, it is still further contemplated that it may be advantageous,depending upon the application, to utilize all or any portion of thefunctions described herein.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat connection mechanism comprising: a bracketportion which is metal and includes a pivot area, an opening and achannel; a pin portion which is metal and includes a pin and a stopportion, the pin rests in the pivot area such that the shelf portioninhibits movement of the pin portion along the pin's rotation axis, thepin configured to rotate within the pivot area about a rotation axis;the channel in the bracket portion arranged to pass adjacent and throughan area of the center pivot, the channel arranged such that the stopportion of the pin portion are insertable into the channel through theopening at an insertion angle to allow the pin to rest in the pivot areaand such that when the pin rotates within the center pivot, the stopportion of the pin portion moves within the bracket and the stop portionis configured to interact with the bracket at one or more predefinedpositions to stop rotation of the pin portion; a cover which enclosesthe seat connection mechanism such that the seat connection mechanism isenclosed from above and below, wherein the cover is a polymeric part. 2.The device of claim 1 further comprising a seat and a chair supportwhich supports a backrest, and a plurality of rivets which secure thebracket portion to the chair support, the pin portion configured toprotrude from the seat such that the seat is connectable to the bracketportion.
 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a bushingpositioned between the pivot area and the pin portion, wherein thebushing is polymeric;
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the coverincludes a plurality of nubs and the bracket portion includes aplurality of recesses, each nub fitting into one of the plurality ofrecesses to secure the cover to the bracket portion to thereby close anopen upper portion of the channel.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein thebracket portion comprises one or more through holes arranged along thepin's rotation axis, the one or more through holes are formed byextrusion.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the cover includes an outersurface which is curved between two nubs of the cover, the nubs interactwith recesses in the bracket portion to secure the cover to the bracketportion.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the channel defines an area ofthe bracket portion that excludes material between two faces of thebracket perpendicular to the rotation axis.
 8. A method of manufacturinga seat connection mechanism comprising: providing an extrusion includinga plurality of channels; cutting the extrusion across its longitudinalaxis to define a bracket portion, wherein the bracket portion is metaland includes a pivot area and an opening; providing a pin portion whichis metal and includes including a pin and a stop portion, the pin restsin the pivot area such that the shelf portion inhibits movement of thepin along the pin's rotation axis, the pin configured to rotate withinthe pivot area; wherein a channel in the bracket portion is arranged topass adjacent and through an area of the center pivot, the channel inthe bracket portion arranged such that the stop portion of the pinportion is insertable into the channel in the bracket portion from abovethe bracket portion at an insertion angle to allow the pin to rest inthe pivot area and such that when the pin rotates within the centerpivot, the stop portion of the pin portion moves within the bracket sothat the stop portion is configured to interact with the bracket at oneor more predefined positions to stop rotation of the pin portion.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 further comprising: providing a bushing andpositioning said bushing between the pivot area and the pin portion,wherein the bushing is polymeric;
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein saidplurality of channels in the extrusion includes at least one throughhole and wherein the bracket portion is affixed to a seat support via athrough hole in the bracket corresponding to the at least one throughhole of the extrusion.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the bracketportion is affixed to the seat support with a rivet through the hole inthe bracket.
 12. The method of claim 8 further comprising providing acover which is configured to enclose the seat connection mechanism suchthat the seat connection mechanism is enclosed from above and below,wherein the cover is a polymeric part.
 13. The device of claim 8 whereinthe cover includes an outer surface which is curved between two nubs ofthe cover, the nubs interact with recesses in the bracket portion tosecure the cover to the bracket portion.
 14. The device of claim 12wherein the channel defines an area of the bracket portion that excludesmaterial between two faces of the bracket perpendicular to the rotationaxis.
 15. A method of manufacturing a seat comprising: providing anextrusion including a plurality of channels which are through holesextending along an elongate axis of the extrusion; cutting the extrusionacross its longitudinal axis to define a bracket portion, wherein thebracket portion is metal and includes a pivot area and an opening;providing a pin portion which is metal and includes including a pin anda stop portion, the pin rests in the pivot area such that the shelfportion inhibits movement of the pin along the pin's rotation axis, thepin configured to rotate within the pivot area; wherein a channel in thebracket portion is arranged to pass adjacent and through an area of thecenter pivot, the channel in the bracket portion arranged such that thestop portion of the pin portion is insertable into the channel in thebracket portion from above the bracket portion at an insertion angle toallow the pin to rest in the pivot area and such that when the pinrotates within the center pivot, the stop portion of the pin portionmoves within the bracket so that the stop portion is configured tointeract with the bracket at one or more predefined positions to stoprotation of the pin portion. providing a seat support comprising a leg,a backrest and a seat; riveting the bracket portion to the seat supportthrough a hole defined by at least one of the plurality of channels. 16.The method of claim 15 wherein the seat support comprises two seatsupports and further comprising: assembling the backrest to each of theseat supports and mounting the legs to a support structure.
 17. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the assembling and mounting steps arecompleted prior to inserting the stop and pin portions into the bracketportion.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the support structurecomprises a riser with a beam mounted thereto and the legs are mountedto the beam.
 19. A seat comprising: a support including a leg, abackrest, a seat and a seat connection mechanism, the seat connectionmechanism comprising a bracket portion which is metal and includes apivot area, an opening and a channel; a pin portion which is metal andincludes including a pin and a stop portion, the pin rests in the pivotarea such that the shelf portion inhibits movement of the pin portionalong the pin's rotation axis, the pin configured to rotate within thepivot area about a rotation axis, the pin portion configured to connectto the seat in a fixed rotation position relative to the seat; thechannel in the bracket portion arranged to pass adjacent and through anarea of the center pivot, the channel arranged such that the stopportion of the pin portion are insertable into the channel through theopening at an insertion angle to allow the pin to rest in the pivot areaand such that when the pin rotates within the center pivot, the stopportion of the pin portion moves within the bracket and the stop portionis configured to interact with the bracket at one or more predefinedpositions to stop rotation of the pin portion; a cover which enclosesthe seat connection mechanism such that the seat connection mechanism isenclosed from above and below, wherein the cover is a polymeric part.